How to Convert Audio to Text in Windows

Techwalla may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Learn more about our affiliate and product review process here.
Image Credit: Jupiterimages/Pixland/Getty Images

Windows Vista and later versions of the Windows operating system have the ability to convert audio to text using a feature called "speech recognition." Speech recognition will listen to your voice and type your words as text while you speak. You can use this feature in any word processor or typing program for Windows, such as Notepad, WordPad and Microsoft Word. People can talk much faster than they can type, which is what makes speech recognition useful. Even the fastest typists cannot type as fast as a normal person speaks.

Advertisement

Step 1

Click on the "Start" menu and select the "Control Panel."

Video of the Day

Step 2

Open the "Ease of Access" options and select "Speech Recognition."

Step 3

Click on "Set Up Microphone" and follow the setup wizard instructions. Click "Finish" when you are done.

Advertisement

Step 4

Click on "Take Speech Tutorial." Follow the instructions in the tutorial. This will teach you how to talk to your computer.

Step 5

Click on "Train your computer to better understand you." Follow the onscreen instructions. This will teach your computer to understand the sound of your voice and how you speak, which will help it convert your speech more accurately.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Step 6

Open a typing program like Word or Notepad. Say the phrase "Start Listening" to activate speech recognition. Then say "Dictation." You can now start speaking to your computer and it will convert your speech to text.

Video of the Day

Advertisement

Advertisement

references

Report an Issue

screenshot of the current page

Screenshot loading...